10 Centre-Backs Newcastle Must Sign Before The Start Of The Season

10. Aymen Abdennour

Age: 25 Club: Monaco Nationality: Tunisian Estimated Market Value: £16 million League Apps (2014-15): 18 There have been links between Aymen Abdennour and Newcastle United this summer - although the player has also received interest from Barcelona and Atletico Madrid. The amount of high-profile sides scouting the 6ft 1in central-defender demonstrates the Tunisian's talent and he would be a fantastic signing if the Magpies were able to hold off the competition to bring him to Tyneside. Abdennour is a no-nonsense defender who is powerful, ruthless and unforgiving. He actively looks to break up opposition attacks at the earliest moment and distribute the ball to the midfielders in order to pursue a counter attack. The 25-year-old is clinical in the air and, although his positional skills can be questionable at times, he has the pace to recover. He only played 18 times last season as he suffered a hamstring injury twice which kept him out for around two months - but he was exceptional during each of those matches. If Newcastle really mean business this summer, then recruiting Abdennour would prove that.